Quantum Consciousness and Panpsychism: A Solution to the Hard Problem

Consciousness is not reducible or emergent but a fundamental property of matter, according to a theoretical analysis that combines quantum mechanics and consciousness. The observer's consciousness can distinguish definite states from quantum superpositions, whereas a physical measuring device without consciousness cannot. This indicates that consciousness has causal efficacies in basic quantum processes, providing a quantum basis for panpsychism. The conscious process is argued to be a kind of quantum computation, and a unified theory of matter and consciousness should include complete quantum evolution with nonlinear elements introduced by consciousness, along with a psychophysical principle linking conscious content to matter state. Experimental suggestions are offered to confirm the analysis.

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Abstract

We analyze the results and implications of the combination of quantum and consciousness. The quantum effect of consciousness is first explored. We show that the consciousness of the observer can help to distinguish the definite states and their quantum superposition, while the usual physical measuring device without consciousness can not do. The result indicates that the causal efficacies of consciousness do exist when considering the basic quantum process. Based on this conclusion, we demonstrate that consciousness is not reducible or emergent, but a new fundamental property of matter. This provides a quantum basis for panpsychism. Furthermore, we argue that the conscious process is one kind of quantum computation process based on the analysis of consciousness time and combination problem. It is shown that a unified theory of matter and consciousness should include two parts: one is the complete quantum evolution of matter state, which includes the definite nonlinear evolution element introduced by consciousness, and the other is the psychophysical principle or corresponding principle between conscious content and matter state. Lastly, some experimental suggestions are presented to confirm the theoretical analysis of the paper.